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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: Harvey Allen Wehrly (1877-1968)

Harvey A. & Nettie (Shreeve) Wehrly

Harvey Allen Wehrly (1877-1968) was my paternal great-granduncle. What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records 1.1. Birth CertificateOne source states Harvey was born December 21, 1876 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana1,. His World War II Draft Registration states he was born December 21, 1877 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana10. I have not yet resolved the discrepancy. The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of birth until after 1907. Jay County, Indiana only has birth records from 1882. 1.1.1. Birth Notice in NewspaperIf Harvey's birth was announced in the local newspaper, it has been lost to history. The Jay County Public Library has newspapers from the late 1880s. The holdings of the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis do not indicate any newspapers of the time period. 1.1.2. Bible RecordI am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Wehrly family. Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one does exist. 1.1.3. Baptismal RecordI am not aware of any baptismal record for Harvey, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's. 1.1.4. Adoption RecordThere is no indication that Harvey was adopted. 1.2. Marriage LicenseHarvey married Nettie Shreeve on October 9, 18981, probably in Jay County, Indiana. I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. 1.2.1 Marriage Notice in NewspaperWill need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was of Harvey and Nettie's nuptials. 1.2.2. Anniversary NoticeHarvey and Nettie's 25th wedding anniversary would have been October 9, 1923 and their 50th anniversary would have been October 9, 1948. Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if any mention was made of anniversary celebrations. 1.2.3. Divorce DecreeThere is no indication that Harvey and Nettie were ever divorced, but a search of Henry County, Indiana court records needs to be done. 1.3. Death CertificateHarvey died June 9, 19681, probably in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana. I do not have a copy of his death certificate. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. 1.3.1. Obituary in NewspaperWill need to check local newspapers in Henry and Jay County, Indiana to see if Harvey's obituary was mentioned. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. 1.3.2. Funeral Home RecordsOnce I've obtained his obituary, I might be able to identify the funeral that handled the arrangements and then contact them to see if they have any more records. 1.3.3. Tombstone PhotographHarvey's tombstone in the South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana has been photographed2. A link to his memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.2. Census Records 2.1. Federal Census Records 2.1.1. 1940 Federal CensusOn April 16, 1940, Harvey was enumerated as head of household in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana3, as Harvey Wehrly, age 63, Church custodian. He was born in Indiana and in 1935 his residence was the same place. He owned his home, and it was valued at $3500. He had completed the 6th grade. 2.1.2. 1930 Federal CensusOn April 12, 1930, Harvey was enumerated as head of household in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana4, as Harvey A. Wehrly, age 51, Janitor, Christian Church. He was born in Indiana, as was his father and mother. He didn't live on a farm, owned a radio and was age 21 at his marriage. He could read and write and spoke English. 2.1.3. 1920 Federal CensusOn January 12, 1920, Harvey was enumerated as head of household in Ward 7, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana5, as Harvey Wehrly, age 43, laborer in auto factory. He was born in Indiana, as was his father and mother. He could read and write and spoke English. He owned his home free of mortgage. The family resided at 1525 8th Street. 2.1.4. 1910 Federal CensusOn April 26, 1910, Harvey was enumerated as head of household in Ward 7, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana6, as Harvey Wehrly, age 32, Straw Boss in auto factory. He was born in Indiana and had been married for 11 years. The birthplace of his parents was left blank. The family resided at 1015 South 18th Street. 2.1.5. 1900 Federal CensusOn June 15, 1900, Harvey was enumerated as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana7, as Harvey A. Wehrly, age 23, Farmer. He was born December 1876 in Indiana, and both parents were born in Ohio. He had been married for one year. He could read and write and spoke English. He owned his home and held a mortgage.2.1.6. 1880 Federal CensusOn June 3, 1880, Harvey was enumerated in the William Wherhly household in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana8, as Harvy Wherhly, age 3, son, born in Indiana. The birthplace of his father was blank, and his mother was born in Michigan. 2.2. State Census RecordsThe State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921. These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment. 2.3. Agricultural Census RecordsI have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Wehrly family farm.3. Military Records 3.1. Draft RegistrationOn September 12, 1918, Harvey registered with the Selective Service in Henry County, Indiana9 during World War I. He was 40 years old and living at 1525 South 18th Street in New Castle. His birthdate was listed as December 21, 1877. He owned his own garage business at the same address. His wife, Nettie Wehrly, was listed as nearest relative. His physical description was medium height, medium build, with brown eyes and dark hair. On April 27, 1942, Harvey registered with the Selective Service in Henry County, Indiana10 during World War II. He was 64 years old, born December 21, 1877 in Salamonia, Indiana. He resided at 301 South 8th Street in New Castle. He worked as a janitor for the Christian church. His wife, Nettie Wehrly, was listed as nearest relative. He was 5' 6" tall, weighed 175 lbs., with grey hair, brown eyes and a ruddy complexion. 3.2. Pension RecordsI am not aware of any military service that would have made Harvey eligible to receive pension benefits. His father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe Harvey ever received any minor's benefits. 3.3. Service RecordsNot applicable.4. Land Records